New to the Firing Line
Hi I'm Dennis and I'm new to the Firing line. I spend time on a few hg forums.
Live on the Gulf coast side of FL and also spend a few months a year in E. TN.
I am new to handgunning but not guns. Grew up in a hunting family from MI.
I earned a CCW permit 6 months ago and about a year ago began a quest for the ultimate carry handgun.
I am not particularly enamored with the KelTec although maybe someday when I can't afford a Rorbaugh I may pick up a P3 AT and put it through its paces.
Living in FL and the lifestyle I lead for business and leisure I prefer a pocket carry except perhaps during deep winters and hiking.
I started my quest with a BERSA BT 380. It is a bit to large and too heavy for the pocket. It has performed admirably and has become the "traveler" it goes in whatever vehicle I'm traveling in and has become an addition to whatever the carry de jour is.
Next I purchased a Kahr PM 9. I have had issues with it unfortunately. Seems like they are somewhat hit or miss. I like the caliber and format for carry well enough that I will work through its issues until it is right (just got back from its first trip home). In the interim to my lack of confidence with the PM I began looking at revolvers and read alot of articles and came upon the 642 Club (everything S&W snubby really) on THR. A great group of contributors and almost 500 members strong and over 3000 posts of mostly good information.
Hence I now have added a 642-2 to the lineup. I recently put a set of CT 405s on it. There is a great deal of discussion regarding the reliability and out of the box success with revolvers. The new 642 failed after 60 rounds and numerous dry fires and had to have its sear replaced. That event has given me the patience to get the PM to "perfect".
My wife was using the S&W 686 CS-1 3 inch while I travel but it's too much gun for her, so she now has the 642. I am about that far away from an M&P 340 when I find the right and reasonable buy. Losing a couple ounces over the 642 will be better yet. Would still use the .38 Speer 135 +Ps or COR BON 110 DPX.
Might try some Buffalo 158s they have developed for short barrels one of these days.
Holster wise the PM 9 and the 642 will ride nicely in a De Santis Nemesis interchangably. I just ordered a Mika round cut which is due in a week or two.
Robert Mika is slammed with orders due to the (renewed) interest in S&W wheelers for concealed carry. THR had a great deal to do with that.
Next on the buy list? Probably a S&W M&P 40c or the new Beretta PX4 Storm ultra compact might be worth a look see vs the S&W. It's hard to beat S&Ws warranty. Lock is optional on the new M&P SA. They are coming around slowly.
This post would be totally worthless without photos.
BT 380 with 9+1.
Kahr PM9
S&W 642-2 with CT 405
Carry duo that will both fit in the same DeSantis pocket holster nicely.
Best Regards.